DRC’s CSAC prevents journalists from reporting M23’s victory

By The Inspirer.

The body responsible for regulating media activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, CSAC, has prohibited all journalists working in the country from reporting on the victory of the armed group M23.

This directive was issued by the President of CSAC, Christian Bosembe, after M23 fighters took control of the city of Goma in the early hours of January 27, 2025.

He stated, “I urge all Congolese not to believe or report any unverified footage or information. The media and journalists must show their responsibility during these difficult times, supporting our heroic FARDC forces without hesitation.”

Bosembe stated that journalists were spreading images and information suggesting M23 was winning the war in eastern DRC, while in reality, it is “losing.”

Despite this, M23 has confirmed that it has taken control of the city of Goma, with many FARDC soldiers surrendering, some handing their weapons over to MONUSCO, while others fled to Rwanda.

The CSAC President recently wrote letters to the heads of three French media outlets—RFI, France 24, and TV5—informing them that they were only showing M23’s victory, while the forces from their own country were still regaining territory in North Kivu.

Bosembe wrote these letters shortly after temporarily suspending Al Jazeera’s operations in DRC for broadcasting an interview with M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa, conducted by researcher Dr. Bojana Coulibaly.